Penalties for using your phone while driving: What you need to know
A Good Morning Britain investigation has found five high-profile celebrities appearing to use their phones at the wheel and then posting the footage online.
It comes as the Department of Transport today increases penalties for using a mobile while driving in England, Scotland and Wales. New drivers (those who have had their license less than two years) will be disqualified and made to resit their test and more experienced drivers will see fines doubled to £200 with six points on their license.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “It’s totally unacceptable, it’s extremely dangerous. We’ve had a whole chain of fatal accidents in this country caused by it. It’s time it stopped.”
GMB’s investigation found a range of famous faces appearing to flout the ban on their social media, including pop star Simon Webbe who is seen giving significant attention to his phone rather than the road. Reality star James Lock also appears to be filming himself while driving to work. Footballers Ade Akinfenwa, Romelu Lukaku and Allan Nyom have also shared videos of them appearing to film themselves while driving to their social media followers.
All celebrities were contacted by GMB. Some did not comment.
A spokesperson for Nyom said: “Allan acknowledges the transgressions, has deleted them from his account in recognition of discouraging others and will desist from further such episodes going forwards.”
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